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Empower yourself to be healthy. #WomensHealth week is the perfect time to schedule that annual exam you’ve been putting off. Did you know that Pap tests lower the number of new cervical cancers and deaths by more than 80%. Regular screenings and check-ups save lives.

Well-woman visits include a full checkup, separate from any other visit for sickness or injury. These visits focus on preventive care for women, which may include:

• Services, like shots, that improve your health by preventing diseases and other health problems
• Screenings, which are medical tests to check for diseases early when they may be easier to treat
• Education and counseling to help you make informed health decisions

Staying healthy is more than well-women care. More than  75% of women 40 to 60 have at least one risk factor for heart disease, the most common cause of death in women in the United States. That’s why it’s a good idea to also have your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly.

Besides visiting a doctor for a checkup and preventive screenings, here are some other steps to stay healthy and happy:

• Get active
• Eat healthy
• Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress
• Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking or excessive drinking
• Stay safe while on the road: wear a bicycle helmet, fasten your seatbelt and never text while driving.

Under the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010, many insurance plans now cover at least one well-woman visit per year at no cost to you. Plans must also cover some screenings and types of counseling.

For more information about preventive services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov. Contact your insurance provider to find out what’s covered by your plan.

EFOF navigators are here to help you understand your health insurance coverage and make the most of your benefits. Call 877-553-7453 to make an appointment with a health care navigator to find out more.